Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic effecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Violence against another is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. The consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and truly last a lifetime.

Types of Domestic Violence(DV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

PHYSICAL Exerting Power and Control through physical means:
– Hitting/ slapping– Shoving/ grabbing– Pinching/ biting/ hair pulling– Strangulation– Includes denying a partner medical care or forcing alcohol and/or drug use upon them

SEXUAL– Coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior without consent– Marital/partner rape– Treating one in a sexually demeaning manner– Making fun or degrading their partner’s body/sexual past– “If you won’t give it to me, I’ll get it somewhere else”

PSYCHOLOGICAL– Maintaining control by causing fear by intimidation
– Threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family and/or friends
– Destruction of pets and property
– Forcing isolation from family, friends, or school and/or work

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Services– 24-hour hotline and in person response as needed
– Court advocacy/accompaniment for civil and criminal matters
– Assistance in filing protective orders
– Emergency and transitional housing in scattered sites for up to 60 days of stay
– On-going case management and supportive counseling
– Support group for survivors and their children
– In house therapy services and/or referrals
– Referrals and assistance with other matters that impact survivors
– Medical advocacy and accompaniment

Sexual assault services programs like A Safe Home for Everyone play a pivotal role in the healing journey of those who have experienced sexual violence. Healing from sexual violence is a process that often takes time, resources, and empathic support. They provide advocacy services related to the immediate crisis and long-term needs of survivors, as well as prevention and education efforts focused on building strong and safe communities.

Sexual Assault (SA) Services– 24-hour hotline and in person response as needed
– Support and accompaniment to hospital for forensic evidence collection
– Advocacy and accompaniment during law enforcement interviews and investigation
– Advocacy and accompaniment with the District Attorney’s office during court proceedings
– Assistance with filing protective orders
– On-going advocacy and short term crisis supportive counseling
– In-house therapy services and/or referrals
– Referrals to other agencies and services based on needs
– Support for non-offending parents of child sexual abuse
– Support group

Sexual Assault……It happens every day in our communities, schools and workplaces.
Sexual Violence thrives when we remain silent about these crimes.
We can use our voices and have the positive conversation that can stop this problem from growing in our community.
Sexual Violence thrives in silence. Let’s talk about it!

BullyIng Prevention– Grades K-6
– Collaboration with 4H afterschool
– Broken into groups by age (K-2, 3-6)
– 4 Sessions
– Utilizes literature such as: Hands are Not for Hitting, Words are Not for Hurting, and One.
– Play games and do art activities to discuss why we shouldn’t bully

Volunteer!

A Safe Home for Everyone is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help us work towards ending intimate partner violence and sexual assault in our community.Speak Up!Spread the word about healthy relationships and the signs of abuse to your friends, family and community!Donate!A Safe Home for Everyone is always grateful for donations!Examples include: Children’s Craft Bags, Baby Bags & Diapers, Gender Neutral Hospital Bags